Literacy Launch Institutes
More 4-Day Literacy Launch Institutes coming this school year to elevate your practice!
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Literacy Launch Institutes are designed to spread powerful, evidence-based early literacy instruction that celebrates Massachusetts students’ cultural and linguistic strengths. When students read and write by grade 3, they’re on the path to future academic success.
Literacy Launch Institutes provide 4 days of differentiated professional learning for educators teaching students from preschool to grade 3. With 5 available tracks, there’s a pathway for every educator on your team to build their confidence and expand their expertise!
Learning Tracks
Novice
This professional learning track is designed for educators who are ready to build a strong foundation in the why, what, and how of effective evidence-based early literacy instruction to support all learners across K-3 classrooms.
Is This the Right Track for Me?
This track is ideal for educators (classroom teachers, special education teachers, MLL teachers, school or district leaders, and paraprofessionals) who:
- have limited prior training or coursework in reading science and evidence-based literacy practices
- are new to teaching or to early grades (K-3)
- are veteran teachers looking to build or update their knowledge of explicit, systematic, core early literacy instruction
- are school or district leaders looking to build their understanding of early literacy foundations
Topics
Topics are tentative and subject to change.
Day 1:
1. Community Opening + The Reading Brain
2. The Power of Oral Language in Literacy Development
Day 2:
3. Phonological and Phonemic Awareness
4. Explicit and Systematic Phonics Instruction
Day 3:
5. Automaticity and Fluency
6. Linking Assessment Data to Instruction
Day 4:
7. Comprehension – Constructing Meaning Throughout a Complex Text
8. Showcasing Effective Comprehension Instruction + Putting it all Together
Advanced
This professional learning track is designed for educators who already have a strong foundation in evidence-based early literacy and want to deepen and update their expertise.
Is This the Right Track for Me?
This track is ideal for educators (classroom teachers, reading specialists, special education teachers, MLL teachers, interventionists, and literacy coaches) who:
- have completed extensive and recent training (30+ hour course within the last 5-10 years) in reading science and evidence-based early literacy.
- are looking to update their knowledge of recent research findings in reading science and evidence-based early literacy.
- feel confident in their knowledge of the research and use of evidence-based instructional practices related to:
- The theoretical models of reading (e.g. The Reading Rope and the Simple View of Reading)
- Phonological & phonemic awareness
- Explicit and systematic phonics instruction
- Automaticity
- Fluency
- Comprehension
If you have not yet completed formal training in evidence-based early literacy or want to build foundational knowledge, the Novice Track is recommended.
Topics
Topics are tentative and subject to change.
Day 1:
1. Community Opening + The Reading Brain – Accelerating Learning for All Students
2. Language and Literacy Development – Connecting Oral Language, Language Acquisition, and Reading Growth
Day 2:
3. Word Reading – Going Beyond Decoding
4. Spelling and Morphology — Unpacking Words on the Pathway to Meaning
Day 3:
5. Linking Assessment Data to Instruction
6. The Reading & Writing Connection – Part 1
Day 4:
7. The Reading & Writing Connection – Part 2
8. Showcasing the Reading & Writing Connection + Putting It All Together
Preschool
This track is designed for educators working with preschool-aged children who are looking to strengthen their understanding of evidence-based early literacy practices in the context of early childhood education and joyful emergent literacy learning.
Is This the Right Track for Me?
This track is ideal for preschool educators (classroom teachers, MLL teachers, Sp.Ed. teachers, literacy coaches, related service providers, paraprofessionals, lead teachers, and teaching assistants) who:
- have a basic understanding of evidence-based early literacy concepts (e.g., oral language, print concepts) and want to explore how these apply specifically to the preschool setting
- are new to evidence-based early literacy and seek introductory training
- completed a licensure program several years ago and want to update their knowledge
- are looking to refresh their understanding—whether they are new to teaching, transitioning into a preschool role, or returning to the preschool classroom
Topics
Topics are tentative and subject to change.
Day 1:
1. Community Opening + Foundations for Learning to Read and Write
2. Joyful Emergent Literacy Instruction
Day 2:
3. Oral Language
4. Vocabulary Development
Day 3:
5. Print Concepts
6. Phonological Awareness
Day 4:
7. Assessment to Inform Instruction
8. Launch into Application + Putting it all Together
School & District Leaders
This professional learning track is designed for instructional leaders who bring experience and expertise in evidence-based early literacy and are seeking to deepen, refine, and update their knowledge to drive high-impact literacy instruction systemwide.
Is This the Right Track for Me?
This track is ideal for school and district leaders (literacy coaches, principals, assistant principals, curriculum coordinators/directors, Sp.Ed. directors, MLL directors, and assistant superintendents) who are responsible for guiding literacy implementation, supporting educator growth, and ensuring instructional alignment with evidence-based practices across classrooms and schools. Participants should already be familiar with the core elements of reading science and be ready to focus on leadership moves, data routines, and coaching practices that advance equitable literacy outcomes.
If you have not yet completed formal training in evidence-based early literacy or want to build foundational knowledge, the Novice Track is recommended.
Topics
Topics are tentative and subject to change.
Day 1:
1. Community Opening + Accelerating Early Literacy Systemwide
2. Language and Literacy Development for All Learners
Day 2:
3. Foundational Skills: Observing & Strengthening Core Instruction
4. Phonics Leadership and System Coherence
Day 3:
5. Building Knowledge and Comprehension through Text
6. Writing and Oral Language in a Knowledge-Building Classroom
Day 4:
7. Observation, Data, & Coaching for Continuous Improvement
8. Sustaining Literacy Leadership and Collective Efficacy + Putting It All Together
Educator Prep Program Faculty & Staff
This professional learning track is designed to strengthen participants’ understanding and application of evidence-based early literacy practices aligned with the Early Literacy Program Approval Criteria. It also helps participants build their capacity to effectively use the Early Literacy Observation Form (ELOF) to better support teacher candidates in their coursework and practicum placements.
Is This the Right Track for Me?
This track is ideal for Faculty (full-time and part-time), Program Supervisors, and Supervising Practitioners involved in educator preparation across the following licensure programs:
- Early Childhood (PK-2)
- Elementary Education (1-6)
- Moderate Disabilities (PK-8)
Topics
Topics are tentative and subject to change.
Day 1:
1. Community Opening + Setting the Stage for Teacher Candidate Preparation in Early Literacy
2. Core Principles of Intentional and Equitable Literacy Instruction
Day 2:
3. Language and Literacy Development
4. Foundational Reading Skills: Phonological Awareness & Phonics
Day 3:
5. Foundational Reading Skills: Automaticity & Fluency
6. Engaging in Complex Text
Day 4:
7. Writing: Fluency, Process, & Craft
8. Scaling Impact: Applying Learning Within Your Organization + Putting It All Together
Hidden
Novice
This professional learning track is designed for educators who are ready to build a strong foundation in the why, what, and how of effective evidence-based early literacy instruction to support all learners across K-3 classrooms.
This track is ideal for educators (classroom teachers, special education teachers, MLL teachers, school or district leaders, and paraprofessionals) who:
- have limited prior training or coursework in reading science and evidence-based literacy practices
- are new to teaching or to early grades (K-3)
- are veteran teachers looking to build or update their knowledge of explicit, systematic, core early literacy instruction
- are school or district leaders looking to build their understanding of early literacy foundations
Advanced
This professional learning track is designed for educators who already have a strong foundation in evidence-based early literacy and want to deepen and update their expertise.
This track is ideal for educators (classroom teachers, reading specialists, special education teachers, MLL teachers, interventionists, and literacy coaches) who:
- have completed extensive and recent training (30+ hour course within the last 5-10 years) in reading science and evidence-based early literacy.
- are looking to update their knowledge of recent research findings in reading science and evidence-based early literacy.
- feel confident in their knowledge of the research and use of evidence-based instructional practices related to:
- The theoretical models of reading (e.g. The Reading Rope and the Simple View of Reading)
- Phonological & phonemic awareness
- Explicit and systematic phonics instruction
- Automaticity
- Fluency
- Comprehension
If you have not yet completed formal training in evidence-based early literacy or want to build foundational knowledge, the Novice Track is recommended.
Preschool
This track is designed for educators working with preschool-aged children who are looking to strengthen their understanding of evidence-based early literacy practices in the context of early childhood education and joyful emergent literacy learning.
This track is ideal for preschool educators (classroom teachers, MLL teachers, Sp.Ed. teachers, literacy coaches, related service providers, paraprofessionals, lead teachers, and teaching assistants) who:
- have a basic understanding of evidence-based early literacy concepts (e.g., oral language, print concepts) and want to explore how these apply specifically to the preschool setting
- are new to evidence-based early literacy and seek introductory training
- completed a licensure program several years ago and want to update their knowledge
- are looking to refresh their understanding—whether they are new to teaching, transitioning into a preschool role, or returning to the preschool classroom
School & District Leaders
This professional learning track is designed for instructional leaders who bring experience and expertise in evidence-based early literacy and are seeking to deepen, refine, and update their knowledge to drive high-impact literacy instruction systemwide.
This track is ideal for school and district leaders (literacy coaches, principals, assistant principals, curriculum coordinators/directors, Sp.Ed. directors, MLL directors, and assistant superintendents) who are responsible for guiding literacy implementation, supporting educator growth, and ensuring instructional alignment with evidence-based practices across classrooms and schools. Participants should already be familiar with the core elements of reading science and be ready to focus on leadership moves, data routines, and coaching practices that advance equitable literacy outcomes.
If you have not yet completed formal training in evidence-based early literacy or want to build foundational knowledge, the Novice Track is recommended.
Ed Prep Program Faculty & Staff
This professional learning track is designed to strengthen participants’ understanding and application of evidence-based early literacy practices aligned with the Early Literacy Program Approval Criteria. It also helps participants build their capacity to effectively use the Early Literacy Observation Form (ELOF) to better support teacher candidates in their coursework and practicum placements.
This track is ideal for Faculty (full-time and part-time), Program Supervisors, and Supervising Practitioners involved in educator preparation across the following licensure programs:
- Early Childhood (PK-2)
- Elementary Education (1-6)
- Moderate Disabilities (PK-8)
Dates & Locations
Coming soon! Sign up for our email list below to be notified when registration opens for SY25-26.
School Year 2025-26 Friday/Saturday Institutes
Registration opens on Monday, 11/17/2025.
Worcester Institute
Friday/Saturdays: 1/30, 1/31 and 2/6, 2/7
8:00am – 3:00pm each day
College of the Holy Cross
1 College Street
Worcester, MA 01610
Northampton Institute
Friday/Saturdays: 2/27, 2/28 and 3/6, 3/7
8:00am – 3:00pm each day
Hotel Northampton
36 King Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Summer 2026 Institutes
Registration to open in February 2026.
Greater Boston Institute
Dates: June 23-26, 2026
8:00am – 3:00pm each day
North Shore Institute
Dates: June 23-26, 2026
8:00am – 3:00pm each day
South Shore Institute
Dates: July 27-30, 2026
8:00am – 3:00pm each day
Greater Boston Institute
Dates: August 3-6, 2026
8:00am – 3:00pm each day
Registration
Earn PDPs | Stipend | Graduate Credit
Eligibility:
Literacy Launch Institutes are open to individuals and school/district-based teams who are:
- currently employed Massachusetts public school educators whose work relates to literacy, including general education teachers, special education teachers, ESL or language support teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, literacy coaches, and other school or district administrators whose work relates to literacy in preschool to grade 3. Educators from community-based preschool programs are invited to attend with an LEA sponsor (e.g., district public school that they partner with through CPPI, as a CFCE, GLEAM, PRISM I, etc.). Paraeducators are also invited to attend as part of a district or school team.
- Massachusetts educator preparation program faculty, staff, and personnel whose work relates to literacy in preschool to grade 3.
Stipends:
Certain educators who participate in the Literacy Launch Institutes are eligible to receive a $500 stipend. Please read the details below carefully to determine your eligibility.
Stipend Details
ELIGIBILITY FOR STIPENDS: To receive a stipend for participating in the Literacy Launch Institutes, educators must:
- Be eligible to participate in Literacy Launch Institutes. Please see FAQs for details.
- Attend a minimum of 3 days of one Literacy Launch Institute.
- Complete all assignments, surveys, and assessments during and directly after (e.g., participation, satisfaction surveys) the Literacy Launch Institute.
- Attend the Institutes outside of regular work time (i.e., educators being paid by their employer to work on the days of the institute are not eligible for the stipend).
- Complete all required stipend payment paperwork via email and/or website.
Please Note: Employees of Commonwealth Charter Schools and of Massachusetts public institutions of higher education are categorized as state employees and will need to complete an ethics disclosure in order to receive a stipend.
Completion Requirements:
Completion is defined as attendance at a minimum of 3 days of the institute, and completion of all activities and surveys. In addition, all participants must complete DESE’s Post-Assessment at the end of the course. Educators must successfully complete the course in order to earn PDPs, a stipend, or graduate credit. No stipends will be paid for incomplete courses.
Graduate Credit:
Participants may choose to purchase 2 graduate credits, offered by Westfield State, upon successful completion of the Institutes. The cost to purchase 2 graduate credits is $350, to be paid by the participant. Please note that there will be additional assignments to complete in order to earn graduate credits from Westfield.
How To Register:
Complete the form below in its entirety as an individual or as a team lead for the members of your team. If your team consists of more than 10 people, please be aware you will need to fill the form out multiple times to capture all attendee information as only 10 people can be registered at a time. Each team member will be asked to confirm their information and submit additional details once accepted into the Institutes.
PLEASE NOTE: Submission of this form does NOT guarantee a spot in the Institutes. Space is limited and registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. When a track reaches capacity, all new registrations will automatically be placed on a waitlist. Once your submitted form has been processed by our team, you will receive a notification regarding your registration status.
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.
Stay tuned for registration for the upcoming school year institutes!
Coaching Opportunity
Attend as a Team—Unlock an Additional Opportunity!
School or district teams that attend the 4-day Literacy Launch Institute together will be eligible to apply for free coaching at your school site from HILL for Literacy. This exclusive coaching opportunity—offered only to teams—will take place during the 2025–2026 school year and support implementation of evidence-based early literacy practices learned at the Institute.
Form your team and register together to take full advantage of this added support. More details and application for coaching coming soon. Visit the FAQ section for information on team registration.
FAQs
Frequent Asked Questions are continuously updated. Please contact us if you have a question you do not see answered below.
Stipends, PDPs & Grad Credits
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Can I receive PDPs and a stipend?
Yes, PDPs will be provided to all participants based on their participation separately from stipends.
When and how will I be paid the stipend?
Educators will receive a stipend upon completing the full Literacy Launch Institute course. It may take up to 120 days to receive stipends after course completion. No stipends will be paid for incomplete institutes.
Please use the Contact Us form below to contact HILL for Literacy with questions related to stipends. As the provider of Literacy Launch Institutes, HILL for Literacy is responsible for any and all payroll and/or tax documentation that may be required related to stipend payment. DESE is not responsible for the issuance of stipends or the accounting or tax implications thereof. DESE will not be intervening in or settling any disputes regarding stipends.
Registration & Enrollment
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Can I register as an individual for the Literacy Launch Institutes?
Yes! Individual educators are welcome to register on their own and bring their new knowledge back to their schools and classrooms.
Can I bring a team to Literacy Launch Institutes?
Yes! In fact, we strongly recommend it. PK-3 school and district teams will also be eligible to apply for coaching after the institutes.
Does my entire team need to enroll in the same track?
No! One of the unique qualities of Literacy Launch Institutes is the differentiated learning tracks. If you are registering with a team of educators, please select the individual track that best matches each team member’s need.
How do I register more than 10 people for my team?
District and school teams who wish to register more than 10 team members will need to complete multiple registration forms as only 10 people can be registered at a time.
When will my registration be confirmed?
You will receive a follow-up email once we have processed your submission informing you of your registration status. This may take up to a week given the large amount of registrations we are receiving. Thank you for your patience and your interest in the Literacy Launch Institutes!
Are private schools eligible?
Unfortunately, no. However, HILL For Literacy would be happy to discuss how we can meet your district needs through direct consultation. Contact us using the form below today!
Are charter schools eligible?
Yes, individual educators and teams from public charter schools are eligible to register for Literacy Launch Institutes.
Are community-based preschool educators eligible?
Yes. Educators from community-based preschool programs are invited to attend with an LEA sponsor (e.g., district public school that they partner with through CPPI, as a CFCE, GLEAM, PRISM I, etc.).
Are paraeducators eligible?
Yes. Paraeducators are invited to register as part of a district or school team.
What does it mean if I am on the waitlist?
Once a learning track reaches capacity, any new registrations will automatically be placed on the waitlist. We will also post a notification on this website. If an accepted registrant is no longer able to attend, we will take the next eligible person in line off the waitlist to enroll in the Institutes and notify them of next steps.
What is the MEPID and where can I find mine?
The MEPID is a unique identifier assigned to all educators and to school district staff in Massachusetts. Educators can find their MEPID in the Personal Information section on the Inquiry Activity—Summary page in your ELAR account. To get to this page, login to ELAR and click on the Check license status and history, make a payment link on the Welcome to ELAR screen. The MEPID number should be located right above your name.
Follow-up Coaching Opportunity
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Who is eligible for the post-institute coaching opportunity?
After the institutes, Preschool to grade 3 school and district teams are eligible to apply for free site-based coaching after the institutes. More information will be available this summer!
When can our school apply for coaching?
We will begin taking applications for the free onsite coaching in the summer after the institutes have been completed.
Miscellaneous
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Can I attend only one day of the institutes?
No, enrollment is for the entire 4-day institute. The modules are part of a series that build upon each other, so taking all of them is important.
I can’t attend this summer. Will there be more opportunities?
Yes! We will also run institutes on Saturdays during the school year. If you’d like to be notified once we open registration, please sign up for our email list.
What if I can’t make it to Devens or Foxboro?
We intend to run additional institutes during the school year and next summer at locations around the state of Massachusetts. If you’d like to be notified once we open registration for the next round of institutes, please sign up for our email list.
Will there be particular programs/ resources referenced during the institute?
The Summer 2025 Literacy Launch Institutes will be curriculum agnostic. The Institutes will focus on building educators’ knowledge and skill in implementing evidence-based and culturally and linguistically sustaining early literacy practices.
Contact Us
About
Literacy Launch Institutes are presented by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education and HILL for Literacy, in collaboration with:
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LITERACY LAUNCH INSTITUTES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
